In Australia there are a number of culturally based Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) communities. In Victoria alone there are at least 20 groups representing over 34 cultures. These groups have traditionally been formed to provide social support for Australians from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds that identify as GLBTIQ.

In 2003, the groups came together in a community building / strengthening effort to promote greater understanding in a truly multicultural, diverse sense. In October 2004, the groups held the Inaugural Australian Multicultural GLBTIQ Conference (AGMC) “Living and Loving in Diversity” which was held at the St Kilda Town Hall (Victoria). For the first time (both here and overseas) a highly successful Conference was held with over 200 participants per day.

Please click here to see more details.

The success of the Conference was evident because of a variety of factors in-cluding;

the excellent ‘role model’ plenary speakers
the sharing of quality, timely information by individuals, academia, gov-
ernment bodies and grass roots organisations and;
the creation of a safe space to discuss issues pertaining to Multicultural
GLBTIQ individuals and/or groups.

“It has taken 25+ years to see this conference happen – where dialogue,
space of listening and exchange without hierarchies of oppression can
occur and where discrepant lives are not barriers to a shared desire for,
                                              and acts and practices of freedom. Thank you!”

2004 Conference delegate.

The AGMC Inc. through its volunteer base is organising another Conference from the 13th – 15th October, 2006 at the Northcote Town Hall, Northcote, Victoria to build on past successes and to enable progressive change.

We have chosen the theme ‘Empowering Ourselves, Empowering Our Communities’ as it aptly indicates the continuing work and commitment for increased dialogue within our own ‘mainstream’ GLBTIQ and multicultural communities. It is with this approach that we will enable greater respect and understanding for our communities whilst providing a ‘safe’ platform for open discussion on these topics.

Who Should Attend?
• Various Community Sectors (CALD & English speaking)
• Government Sector (Local, State & Federal)
• Social Services Sector
• Education Sector
• Health Sector
• Activists

If you just want to find out more about diverse experiences then sign up to our low-volume mailing list via our web site and stay in touch. For further information email contact@agmc.org.au or browse to here.